TWO robbers threatened a shop assistant with a knife and piece of wood before stealing cash, phone cards and cigarettes.
The pair struck at the Co-op, in The Drive, Usworth, Washington, at 8.30pm on Tuesday, and threatened the lone woman with violence before grabbing their haul. The woman was unhurt.
Detectives hunting the robbers have issued descriptions of them.
The raider with the knife is 5ft 10in, of heavy build, has brown eyes and spoke with a local accent.
He was wearing a grey three-quarter length fleece jacket with blue track suit, trainers and a black ski mask and gloves.
His accomplice is 5ft 4in, of small build, and was wearing a yellow padded jacket with coloured bands across the shoulders.
He had pulled the hood over his head and face.
Police say they do not know how the pair escaped, but have had no reports that they used a vehicle.
Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 0191-454 7555, extension 66443
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